Heartland Co-Founder Hoffman Joins Keystone

Lured out of “retirement” by the opportunity to oversee some of the industry’s top-selling brands, RV veteran and former Heartland RV LLC co-founder Tim Hoffman was named as a new general manager at Goshen, Ind.-based Keystone RV Co.

According to a press release, Hoffman takes leadership of Keystone’s Montana, Outback and Fuzion product lines and will spearhead new innovations to ensure these brands remain at the forefront of their respective product categories.

Known for ground-breaking product introductions and close dealer relations, Hoffman brings a depth of experience to the Keystone family, according to Keystone President Matt Zimmerman. “We already had a strong, talented team in place at Keystone,” said Zimmerman. “Attracting Tim makes us even stronger and provides us with a new perspective. With the addition of Tim and other recent leadership changes, our dealers can expect an Open House like never before. I’m excited to show them what we have in store.”

Hoffman noted, “I have followed the industry closely and am excited to see all the growth in the marketplace. What attracted me most to Keystone was the opportunity to join an organization with strong backend support, quality people and the best dealers in the industry. I have a lot of ideas and thoughts on how to continue advancing the No. 1 selling high profile fifth-wheel in the nation, Montana, along with one of the most recognized brands in the industry in Outback and a resurging Fuzion toy hauler. I am excited to share these with our Keystone dealers.”

I know a little something of this man. A number of years ago when Heartland was just getting started, I got one of their Big Horn 5th Wheels for free. Well, not really. It was scheduled to go to another dealer, but was refused. The driver was looking for a place to drop it instead of towing it all the way back to Indiana. He made a call and I made a call to Heartland and I believe I spoke to Mr. Hoffman. We worked out a deal were I would keep it and sell it for them and he would pay me for PDI, clean up and the such. This was on a Thursday. I had it all cleaned up and show ready for the weekend. About noon on Sat. a very nice couple drove in. They had just taken delivery of a new GMC 3500 Duromax. I showed the Big Horn. They fell in love. 30 minutes later, they owned it. We became a dealer needless to say. That would be in Salem, Oregon. We are now a Montana dealer + other Keystone products.